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The match no. 38 of the Indian Premier League 2022 will witness Punjab Kings taking on the defending champions Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 25. Punjab Kings have lost their last two games while Chennai Super Kings are coming off a thrilling last-ball victory.
Mayank Agarwal’s men have won three and lost four matches so far this season. They have six points to their credit with a net run-rate of -0.562. In their most recent fixture, PBKS took a nine-wicket hammering at the hands of Delhi Capitals.
Batting first, Punjab lost a bunch of wickets early. Young Jitesh Sharma impressed yet again with his 32 off 23, but none of the other PBKS batters could cross 25 as they were dismantled for just 115. They got off to a worst possible start while defending the target as Prithvi Shaw and David Warner blasted 81 runs in the powerplay. The Australian remained unbeaten on 60 off 30 to take his side home with 57 balls to spare.
The four-time champions CSK haven’t had the season of their usual standards, losing five out seven games. They have four points to their credit with a net run-rate reading -0.534. Ravindra Jadeja’s men are coming off an incredible last-ball victory over their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the last game.
Mukesh Choudhary ran through Mumbai’s top order with three for 19 as they managed to restrict the opponent to only 155/7. However, they didn’t get off to a good start either, losing two wickets inside three overs. Ambati Rayudu kept the team in the game with 40 off 35 while Robin Uthappa added 25-ball 30. It was MS Dhoni who stole the show, turning the clock back to glorious finishing days as he hammered Jaydev Unadkat for 17 runs in the last over to win the game.
Key players
PBKS skipper Mayank Agarwal has been one of the consistent batters in the IPL over the last couple of years. He has scored 982 runs in the league since 2020 at an average of 35 while striking at 146, including one hundred and seven fifties. Mayank has scored only one fifty in the IPL 2022 but as one of the best players of spin, he will be a key player against CSK.
Rahul Chahar is one of the top spinners in India and has done well for his new franchise Punjab Kings. The leg spinner has snared 10 wickets in seven games while conceding at only 7.32 rpo. Chahar’s best figures in the competition read 3 for 25. Overall, he has taken 53 wickets in the league at 7.43 rpo.
Robin Uthappa is in terrific form at the top of the order for CSK in the ongoing season. The right-hand batter has scored 227 runs in seven innings at an average of 32 and strike rate of 147. He has registered two fifties in the season with best of 88. In his overall IPL career, Uthappa has amassed 4949 runs at 28 average and 131 strike rate.
One of the greatest bowlers in the history of T20 cricket, Dwayne Bravo and he continues to evolve to remain a potent threat.
The right-arm pacer has been superb for CSK in the IPL 2022, picking 12 wickets in seven games at an economy of 8.45, predominantly bowling in death overs. Overall, Bravo has picked 179 wickets in the league at 8.37 rpo.
Prediction
H2H: Chennai Super Kings lead the scoreline by 16 wins compared to 11 by Punjab Kings. CSK are also ahead in the last five matches by 3-2.
PBKS started the season with promise, but the lack of batting depth and selection mistakes are starting to plague them. They might bring in left-hand batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the middle order. Jonny Bairstow’s form is a big concern as well. The bowling unit comprising Chahar, Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh is decent but needs help from their batters.
The Super Kings also have plenty of holes in their squad. The lack of form for their key batters is a concern. They have tweaked the bowling unit, bringing in left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius. Going spin heavy against Punjab Kings could favour CSK a lot, especially with the pitches starting to wear off.
Overall, the yellow army has a better balance as well as match-ups on their side. Expect Chennai Super Kings to come out victorious.
